I’ve been watching your church visit videos in random order throughout the year. I really appreciate your candid thoughts on your experiences. This year a handful of items enhanced my testimony, your channel being one. I converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nearly 28 years ago, best decision I ever made. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. Merry Christmas!
One thing that helps me know if someone is a preacher of God or not is how much they focus on themselves vs Christ in their sermons and actions. A true preacher will not make everything about themself nor enrich themselves from teaching the gospel. Christ gave freely, and we are to give ourselves freely to His work.
My hubby used to work there when it was the Summit where the Houston Aeros played pro hockey. Joel doesn’t hold a candle to his father’s preaching. Joel’s all about the money.
@@anneasbell570 Thank you for asking!... I am now 65 years old, I joined the LDS church when I was 9. Two missionaries came to our home and gave our family a series of lessons and I felt a powerful desire to join the church. My parents never joined but they took me to church every Sunday until I was old enough to drive myself. I married another "Convert" when we were both 24 years old (She had joined when she was 14) We had 3 amazing girls and our life has been filled with peace and happiness. We have been able to escape the turmoil and drama and pain that we see in the lives of many other families around us and we attribute this to our love of Christ and living our lives in a state of gratitude and love for Him and our efforts have been directed in an attempt to serve Him and those we come in contact with. We do not follow this path with blinders on nor have we pulled away from the world around us, we have discovered that the Lord is willing to be an active part of our lives and that the Spirit can be a constant companion. Revelation, comfort, love and compassion for those around us make our lives full. We have discovered that Priesthood power has been restored to the earth, we have a testimony of modern day prophets, The Book of Mormon and other revealed scriptures, these have helped us draw closer to Christ... If someone will humble themselves, pray sincerely for guidance, read the Book of Mormon and Bible with an open mind then the truth of these things will be be revealed to them. The Atonement of Christ will then bear more fruit in their lives...
I have the flu today, binge watching your videos. You have great messages. I am also re-watching a lot of Bible and Book of Mormon videos. :) (PS I got one of those communion lunchables when I was in the hospital, during COVID. Very sanitized.
I’m only three minutes into this video, and I can already feel the sarcasm in you regarding this report. I’ve never felt this energy in you and your reports. It seems unusual given all the others I’ve seen, you have more of a genuine interest in reporting from an unbiased stance. I really enjoy the reports that are made in your car just after having left the church services. They seem less rehearsed and more raw in their honesty. Regardless, thank you for sharing your journey with us.
I sometimes have the idea that Osteen preaches this way because he has experienced prosperity himself. I don’t see him as dishonest, just as a bit disconnected from struggles that most people go through.
Out of all of the mega-televangelists, Joel Osteen seems to be the best one, however, his attendance numbers have been declining, year over year, as they are in every Christian faith, except the Latter-day Saints.
You’re braver than I am. I would have gone running for the exit!! This sounds like a horrible experience. No wonder that the Savior made a whip. If he’d been there he would have cleansed the place and turned over the tables of books.
New Christians & seekers usually want an "experience" with the stage, lights & music but as you grow & mature in the Lord your focus should be on sound doctrine and delving into scripture. Sadly that isn't always the case in many American churches. Small churches have much to offer but it takes effort to find the right fit
Taking communion, the preacher wouldn't call it "the body and blood of Christ" because they aren't the body and blood of Christ. They are symbols of such.
I think it’s a no win augment. I appreciate Joel for magnifying the goodness of God. But he should share a little about the negative. Then you have John McCarthur who is doom and gloom of the sinful side. But I don’t find that helpful either. I find it interesting that the opponents of Joel have nothing positive to say,
Wow, it’s hard to watch America fall for prosperity preachers and entertainment thinking they’re going to a Christian church. People may say they’re but today’s so call “Traditional Christianity” is a different gospel than what was taught by Jesus Christ. I can see why Christ had to restore his Church.
Especially when I was a Catholic I wondered for most of my life on why would anyone follow someone like Osteen and the Prosperity Gospel so I assumed that it was mostly because of desperation or some other vulnerability because it all looked like an obvious scam. That being said I appreciate the story of your ex’s parents and your input as it has given me another perspective I didn’t bother considering, if Osteen is indeed much better than the fire and brimstone preachers for many people then I don’t blame them if that’s the case. However by the way you described it there seems to be a sort of cult of personality with this church and the services are basically a show, as a Catholic I loved to make fun of Protestants over the Lunchable communion wafers and I still have my reservations over the Prosperity Gospel. I’ve been curious about the local megachurch that barely holds a candle compared to Lakewood and I suspect it’s not that different when it comes to theology.
“These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.” 1 Timothy 6:5 NLT
Consider these verses that describe Christ: 24He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation. 25Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price. Compare this with what He describes as “Priescraft” 29He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
I call him the Smiley Face Guy. He's the Mister Rogers of religious showbiz. "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...." I've no objections. If it makes folks feel warm & fuzzy to watch a rock star preacher perform his act who are we to argue? Buy his books and fill his collection buckets to overflow. Entertainment costs money and It's their money to spend.
Oh man! Fred Rodgers WAS a pastor. in what twisted world do you think he would ever be in that building 🤨. No, really I know what you were going for but it had to be laughed at.👍
I agree in the sense that there is no representation of Christ in these churches. However I also don't believe the cross is the right representation of Christ either. Imagine if a loved one passed away because of a gun, would I adorn my home with guns? I know it's representing the sacrifice that was made and remembering His atonement for us but why not show it more through how we are changed and what we become because of Him? In that way we are the best representation of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Also I would rather look at things that depict Christ in his life and ministry than think of Him in pain. This would be the same as having pictures of my loved one who passed away shown as they are lying in their hospital bed and hooked up to all kinds of machines vs. ones of them happy and living life.
@@Kaydubbbb Prosperity gospel, very simple, you pay us money, god gives you blessings. Do you want gross or net blessings? Same thing as Robert Tilton or any of these other prosperity gospel guys. As for the megachurch aspect, I mean, I don't think much really needs to be said in that regard. Look at the General Conference building. Millions of members tuning in to hear "The Prophet".
@@alienwarex51i3 LDS church leaders do not profit directly from tithing. You do not have a logical comparison. Contemporary mega churches can’t even be compared with the scope and complexity of the LDS church putting out Christ’s message in over 100 languages live at general conference or services provided to the world. None are even close. None can compare to the unity and teamwork of the quorum of the twelve apostles., or the volunteer force of local leadership in takes and wards. You have no logical comparison,
@@Kaydubbbb You didn't refute my points though. Is the LDS church teaching prosperity gospel or not? You should define "prosperity gospel" for me. Here's an observation I've made - why do _only_ successful, wealthy men get called up to be mission presidents, general authorities, apostles, stake presidents? Putting someone who's already successful in a church leadership position reinforces the prosperity gospel; it reinforces the idea that the more devout/pious you are, the more successful you will be. Why does the church teach to pay your tithing before paying anything else? Why does the church teach you to pay on gross income, and not net income? If the Church doesn't teach prosperity gospel, why is Joel Osteen _copying_ the LDS church by teaching all the same things to _his_ congregation?
I respectfully disagree. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is not a prosperity gospel. Most people would say that prosperity gospel is preaching that positive thoughts and declarations will bring health, wealth, and happiness. While it's true that there are sermons given on tithing as much as any other commandment, there is no promises of wealth. There are definitely promised spiritual blessings. I like that tithing is also donated in secret in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. There are no plates passed around in any worship services. Many church leadership live in normal homes and apartments. Our prophet, President Hinkley, had an apartment. President Monson had a modest home. President Nelson was a world renowned heart surgeon, but I feel confident that his home would not be extravagant. If it is a prosperity gospel, I do not see anyone prospering in a material sense. My last stake president was a mechanic, although he was not on hard times. Hard work, staying out of debt, and saving against hard times leads to productivity which leads to financial stability. Wealth is not a qualifier to serve the Lord. Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven."
As a member of Community of Christ in Canada, I'm disappointed that your evaluation of this denomination was based upon a business meeting & not on a worship service. That does not seem fair in view of your intended purpose.
😯As a catholic I think the communion in a disposable cup of plastic is ridiculous if not disrespectful. It is like fast food. I imagine the apostles bringing back baskets full of waste after the multiplication of the loaves instead of the leftover bread in the Gospel. How stupid this is!
I guess my sister went to a huge church and when they passed around the collection plate they told people to put in the plate what they could, and if they were struggling financially they could take whatever they needed. I was shocked, at least according to her you don’t have to go and fill out a form or anything like that. You just take whatever you need. Which surprises me because I can imagine some people taking everything. Or I wonder if someone will get up and go around to every single collection plate and take from all of them, lol, that might be the last time they do it if that happens.
Visit an LDS church with an open mind & you will never leave.. the only church where I consistently "feel the holy spirit"
Joel lives like a king and takes money from people who really can’t afford to give! He’s hurting people!
I compare him and his wife to Jim and Tammy Faye Baker. What goes up must come down. I wouldn’t tithe to him or his church.
I’ve been watching your church visit videos in random order throughout the year. I really appreciate your candid thoughts on your experiences. This year a handful of items enhanced my testimony, your channel being one. I converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nearly 28 years ago, best decision I ever made. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. Merry Christmas!
One thing that helps me know if someone is a preacher of God or not is how much they focus on themselves vs Christ in their sermons and actions. A true preacher will not make everything about themself nor enrich themselves from teaching the gospel. Christ gave freely, and we are to give ourselves freely to His work.
My hubby used to work there when it was the Summit where the Houston Aeros played pro hockey.
Joel doesn’t hold a candle to his father’s preaching. Joel’s all about the money.
David, I would love to see a video of you giving a book report on the Book of Mormon....
I would love to hear your thoughts too!
@@anneasbell570 Thank you for asking!... I am now 65 years old, I joined the LDS church when I was 9. Two missionaries came to our home and gave our family a series of lessons and I felt a powerful desire to join the church. My parents never joined but they took me to church every Sunday until I was old enough to drive myself. I married another "Convert" when we were both 24 years old (She had joined when she was 14) We had 3 amazing girls and our life has been filled with peace and happiness. We have been able to escape the turmoil and drama and pain that we see in the lives of many other families around us and we attribute this to our love of Christ and living our lives in a state of gratitude and love for Him and our efforts have been directed in an attempt to serve Him and those we come in contact with. We do not follow this path with blinders on nor have we pulled away from the world around us, we have discovered that the Lord is willing to be an active part of our lives and that the Spirit can be a constant companion. Revelation, comfort, love and compassion for those around us make our lives full. We have discovered that Priesthood power has been restored to the earth, we have a testimony of modern day prophets, The Book of Mormon and other revealed scriptures, these have helped us draw closer to Christ... If someone will humble themselves, pray sincerely for guidance, read the Book of Mormon and Bible with an open mind then the truth of these things will be be revealed to them. The Atonement of Christ will then bear more fruit in their lives...
What wonderful parents you had to support you in such a big personal decision at such a tender age. Congratulations on your many many blessings!
He got baptized recently!
I am LDS and I love Joel Osteen’s messages
You can learn a lot about a church by what they focus on, Music, Minister or Christ?
I love listening to you, very calming and soothing. I listen to lot of your videos.
I have the flu today, binge watching your videos. You have great messages. I am also re-watching a lot of Bible and Book of Mormon videos. :) (PS I got one of those communion lunchables when I was in the hospital, during COVID. Very sanitized.
I’m only three minutes into this video, and I can already feel the sarcasm in you regarding this report. I’ve never felt this energy in you and your reports. It seems unusual given all the others I’ve seen, you have more of a genuine interest in reporting from an unbiased stance. I really enjoy the reports that are made in your car just after having left the church services. They seem less rehearsed and more raw in their honesty. Regardless, thank you for sharing your journey with us.
This video has a stark contrast from all others.
I sometimes have the idea that Osteen preaches this way because he has experienced prosperity himself. I don’t see him as dishonest, just as a bit disconnected from struggles that most people go through.
Out of all of the mega-televangelists, Joel Osteen seems to be the best one, however, his attendance numbers have been declining, year over year, as they are in every Christian faith, except the Latter-day Saints.
Joel & Virginia Osteen net worth ? $100 MILLION.
JESUS HAD NOT HIS OWN BED TO LAY HIS HEAD
They are just lining their own pockets. They are just in it for the money.
After watching this you had me worried but so far they haven't touched the video I did on Joel for my ministry. Thank God!
You’re braver than I am. I would have gone running for the exit!! This sounds like a horrible experience. No wonder that the Savior made a whip. If he’d been there he would have cleansed the place and turned over the tables of books.
New Christians & seekers usually want an "experience" with the stage, lights & music but as you grow & mature in the Lord your focus should be on sound doctrine and delving into scripture. Sadly that isn't always the case in many American churches. Small churches have much to offer but it takes effort to find the right fit
The Japanese have a saying: The bigger the front, the bigger the back. I wonder what’s going on behind the scenes?
Taking communion, the preacher wouldn't call it "the body and blood of Christ" because they aren't the body and blood of Christ. They are symbols of such.
that is the same communion cup/bread my church (united methodist) uses! lol. maybe it's 'covid' friendly.
Don't I remember somebody important saying something about a camel going through the eye of a needle?
I think it’s a no win augment. I appreciate Joel for magnifying the goodness of God. But he should share a little about the negative.
Then you have John McCarthur who is doom and gloom of the sinful side. But I don’t find that helpful either. I find it interesting that the opponents of Joel have nothing positive to say,
Wow, it’s hard to watch America fall for prosperity preachers and entertainment thinking they’re going to a Christian church. People may say they’re but today’s so call “Traditional Christianity” is a different gospel than what was taught by Jesus Christ. I can see why Christ had to restore his Church.
You should go to houston for two weeks and attend First Methodist after Lakewood and compare the 2.
Especially when I was a Catholic I wondered for most of my life on why would anyone follow someone like Osteen and the Prosperity Gospel so I assumed that it was mostly because of desperation or some other vulnerability because it all looked like an obvious scam.
That being said I appreciate the story of your ex’s parents and your input as it has given me another perspective I didn’t bother considering, if Osteen is indeed much better than the fire and brimstone preachers for many people then I don’t blame them if that’s the case.
However by the way you described it there seems to be a sort of cult of personality with this church and the services are basically a show, as a Catholic I loved to make fun of Protestants over the Lunchable communion wafers and I still have my reservations over the Prosperity Gospel. I’ve been curious about the local megachurch that barely holds a candle compared to Lakewood and I suspect it’s not that different when it comes to theology.
Matthew 6:5
“These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.”
1 Timothy 6:5 NLT
Consider these verses that describe Christ:
24He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
25Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.
Compare this with what He describes as “Priescraft”
29He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
Osteen's momma wrote his sermons.
I like his mom.
I call him the Smiley Face Guy. He's the Mister Rogers of religious showbiz. "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...." I've no objections. If it makes folks feel warm & fuzzy to watch a rock star preacher perform his act who are we to argue? Buy his books and fill his collection buckets to overflow. Entertainment costs money and It's their money to spend.
Oh man!
Fred Rodgers WAS a pastor.
in what twisted world do you think he would ever be in that building 🤨.
No, really I know what you were going for but it had to be laughed at.👍
@@cjjenson8212
Interesting. I didn't know Mr. Rogers was a pastor. Those guys are more similar than I thought. Your Honor, I rest my case.
Wide is the gate and easy is the way that leads to destruction.
No cross that’s just weird!
I agree in the sense that there is no representation of Christ in these churches. However I also don't believe the cross is the right representation of Christ either. Imagine if a loved one passed away because of a gun, would I adorn my home with guns? I know it's representing the sacrifice that was made and remembering His atonement for us but why not show it more through how we are changed and what we become because of Him? In that way we are the best representation of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Also I would rather look at things that depict Christ in his life and ministry than think of Him in pain. This would be the same as having pictures of my loved one who passed away shown as they are lying in their hospital bed and hooked up to all kinds of machines vs. ones of them happy and living life.
@@joscelynpease6656- how long have you been LDS?
How ironic that David ended up joining a prosperity gospel megachurch in the end!
That statement is slander. You don’t have a logical comparison to back that up.
@@Kaydubbbb Prosperity gospel, very simple, you pay us money, god gives you blessings. Do you want gross or net blessings? Same thing as Robert Tilton or any of these other prosperity gospel guys. As for the megachurch aspect, I mean, I don't think much really needs to be said in that regard. Look at the General Conference building. Millions of members tuning in to hear "The Prophet".
@@alienwarex51i3 LDS church leaders do not profit directly from tithing. You do not have a logical comparison. Contemporary mega churches can’t even be compared with the scope and complexity of the LDS church putting out Christ’s message in over 100 languages live at general conference or services provided to the world. None are even close. None can compare to the unity and teamwork of the quorum of the twelve apostles., or the volunteer force of local leadership in takes and wards. You have no logical comparison,
@@Kaydubbbb You didn't refute my points though. Is the LDS church teaching prosperity gospel or not? You should define "prosperity gospel" for me. Here's an observation I've made - why do _only_ successful, wealthy men get called up to be mission presidents, general authorities, apostles, stake presidents? Putting someone who's already successful in a church leadership position reinforces the prosperity gospel; it reinforces the idea that the more devout/pious you are, the more successful you will be. Why does the church teach to pay your tithing before paying anything else? Why does the church teach you to pay on gross income, and not net income? If the Church doesn't teach prosperity gospel, why is Joel Osteen _copying_ the LDS church by teaching all the same things to _his_ congregation?
I respectfully disagree. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is not a prosperity gospel. Most people would say that prosperity gospel is preaching that positive thoughts and declarations will bring health, wealth, and happiness. While it's true that there are sermons given on tithing as much as any other commandment, there is no promises of wealth. There are definitely promised spiritual blessings. I like that tithing is also donated in secret in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. There are no plates passed around in any worship services. Many church leadership live in normal homes and apartments. Our prophet, President Hinkley, had an apartment. President Monson had a modest home. President Nelson was a world renowned heart surgeon, but I feel confident that his home would not be extravagant. If it is a prosperity gospel, I do not see anyone prospering in a material sense. My last stake president was a mechanic, although he was not on hard times. Hard work, staying out of debt, and saving against hard times leads to productivity which leads to financial stability. Wealth is not a qualifier to serve the Lord. Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven."
As a member of Community of Christ in Canada, I'm disappointed that your evaluation of this denomination was based upon a business meeting & not on a worship service. That does not seem fair in view of your intended purpose.
Sup fellow Book of Mormon believer! (From a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
e@@DavidPeel-fo9xv
Joel is selling a product
Rich pastor run a mile
Good for that wife 😂😂😂
😯As a catholic I think the communion in a disposable cup of plastic is ridiculous if not disrespectful. It is like fast food.
I imagine the apostles bringing back baskets full of waste after the multiplication of the loaves instead of the leftover bread in the Gospel. How stupid this is!
I guess my sister went to a huge church and when they passed around the collection plate they told people to put in the plate what they could, and if they were struggling financially they could take whatever they needed. I was shocked, at least according to her you don’t have to go and fill out a form or anything like that. You just take whatever you need. Which surprises me because I can imagine some people taking everything. Or I wonder if someone will get up and go around to every single collection plate and take from all of them, lol, that might be the last time they do it if that happens.